Tansi, Neyâskweyâhk Iyiniwak. Welcome to the December 11, 2020 Chief’s update.
Thank you to all community members who are doing their part by staying home and those isolating. I wish you a speedy recovery and would like to thank the families and workers supporting the efforts of our citizens in isolation. Your support aids us greatly in our efforts to flatten the curve in our community.
Community Wellness will be offering a drive-thru Christmas event, “Candy Cane Lane,” at the P&R building on December 16th from 4 to 7PM. It will be nice to have a fun and lighthearted event to brighten our spirits this winter.
Turkey hampers are being distributed at the Jim Rattlesnake building each day from noon until the daily supplies run out. If you are unable to get a hamper, please return the next day. Our first shipment ran out very quickly and EIRD staff will be distributing each day starting at noon and will be out each day, including the weekend, until all hampers are distributed.
Please be aware that there are only 10 people total allowed in the Ermineskin mall at any time. Please be patient and kind while picking up hampers and cheques, it is a stressful time for us all and the staff are working hard.
As before, essential services will continue to operate as they have previously. The new Alberta guidelines will not affect our operations, as we have set in place our own guidelines to protect our community, as well. Those who are able will be working from home.
As of December 10, 2020, there have been 537 total cases in Maskwacis, with 168 active cases, 369 recoveries, and 8 in hospital. There have been 3 deaths due to the virus so far.
The Government of Alberta has set in place new guidelines in their effort to battle swelling case numbers of COVID-19. There is now a province-wide mask mandate. Effective December 8, all indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited. This will be enforced in Provincial jurisdictional areas, off reserve, with $1,000 fines. Effective at 12:01 AM on December 13 further restrictions will be put into place.
All retail properties must limit occupants to 15% of fire code regulations. Many entertainment properties will be closed for a minimum of 4 weeks, including restaurants, bars, lounges, cafes, casinos, bingo halls and theatres. All indoor recreation facilities must close, including: gyms, spas, pools, indoor rinks and arenas, community halls and centres. Restaurants will still be able to offer delivery, and take-out. Personal and wellness services must also close, including piercing and tattoo shops, salons and barber shops, and massage therapists.
Regulated health services can remain open by appointment only and should be limited to one-on-one services.
Professional services can remain open by appointment only. Social services can remain open for in-person services including social, protective, or emergency services, shelters for vulnerable persons, and not-for-profit kitchens, religious kitchens and soup kitchens.
Local RCMP have asked that youth please stay home to cut down transmission. Even if someone has no symptoms, they may still be contagious. The vaccines that are on the way signal a light at the end of the tunnel, but we must still buckle down to keep our community safe. Kinanaskomitinawaw. Stay Safe, Stay Home and stay vigilant.
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